Daily Archives: August 22, 2012

CNCC HAS SUCCESSFUL ORIENTATION DAY

On Saturday, Colorado Northwestern Community College experienced one of their most successful student orientation days to date. The Rangely and Craig Campuses welcomed new students who mingled on college campuses with CNCC faculty and staff as they prepared to get their college careers underway. New students went through a series of welcome sessions that included activities on Time Management, Healthy Choices, Diversity, Resources, Campus Tours, and an introduction to the CNCC Challenge Course. The admissions office is still working on the new student numbers, but the numbers currently sit at approximately 170 new students on the Rangely Campus and 74 new students on the Craig Campus, which puts enrollment up nearly 40% from last year, according to CNCC President Russell George.

SECRETARY OF STATE WON’T RELEASE NAMES OF POTENTIALLY INELIGIBLE VOTERS

Colorado Secretary of State Scott Gessler says a list of nearly 4,000 registered voters he suspects are not citizens is not subject to public inspection because it is part of an investigation. Gessler yesterday denied an open records request from The Associated Press to review the list. The secretary mailed letters to the voters last week asking them to verify their citizenship or voluntarily withdraw from the rolls. Gessler’s office said the list is a record of an ongoing administrative investigation. Voter rights group Common Cause has criticized Gessler’s initiative, saying it cannot ensure that eligible voters will not be removed from the rolls. Gessler spokesman Rich Coolidge says the goal is improve the integrity of the voting rolls and not draw attention to individuals.

GROUP SAYS COLORADO IS NOT READY FOR NOVEMBER ELECTIONS

An elections watchdog group says it’s worried that Colorado faces issues that show the state isn’t ready for November. According to reports, the non-profit Citizens Center says in a court filing that Boulder, Chaffee and Eagle Counties have marked ballots in a way that allows them to be traced to voters. The group says that could invalidate results. Secretary of State Scott Gessler issued a rule Monday telling those counties to stop the markings. Another issue of concern to Citizens Center is a state investigation in Chaffee County of a large number of primary ballots that had two colors of ink – a potential sign that votes were added in to races left blank. Gessler spokesman Rich Coolidge says Colorado will be ready for the election.

COLORADO GETTING OVER $1.2 MILLION FOR VET PROGRAMS

The U.S. Department of Labor has awarded grants totaling $11.53 million through the Veterans’ Workforce Investment Program to provide an estimated 5,500 veterans with job training and skills development services. Colorado’s Department of Labor, Employment and Training will receive $1,250,000. Eleven grants were awarded on a competitive basis to state and local workforce investment boards, local public agencies and nonprofit organizations, including faith-based and community organizations, in 10 states. These agencies are familiar with the areas and populations to be served, and have demonstrated that they can administer effective programs. The funds will be used to provide training in fields including software and computer services, construction, auto mechanics, security, logistics, nursing, physical and occupational therapy, hospitality and the culinary arts, among others.

STUDY RELEASED ON FUEL EFFICIENCY

With the imminent Obama Administration announcement of historic fuel-efficiency standards for vehicles, the BlueGreen Alliance, an environmental organization, has assembled a detailed accounting of the benefits they project to accrue by the year 2030. The data includes a state-by-state breakdown of the 570,000 jobs they say could be created in the United States by 2030 – as well as other benefits from the standard. The report predicts the country will save nearly 23 billion gallons of gasoline in 2030 alone, resulting in $54 billion in net savings to consumers and the reduction of 270 million metric tons of carbon dioxide pollution, which helps cause global warming. In Colorado, they say 8,500 jobs will be created and over $1.6 billion will be saved in fuel costs.

SWEETWATER COUNTY SHERIFF OFFERS HANDGUN TRAINING COURSE

The Sweetwater County Sheriff’s Office is offering a civilian handgun training course for residents. Slots are still open for the September 6th class, the last class of 2012. The class actually takes place over two days, with a classroom course on the evening of the 6th, and a trip to the shooting range on the morning of the 8th. Topics of the class will include grip, sight picture, trigger control and safety. The cost for the class is $30. Participants must supply their own handgun, 100 rounds of ammunition, ear protection, and weather appropriate clothing. If you’re interested in taking the course, call the Sweetwater County Sheriff’s Office at (307) 352-4901.